Review of Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) by Sheldon D — 07 Jul 2017

If you missed Spider-Man's presence in Captain America: Civil War, worry not, because Peter Parker (Tom Holland) gives you a plethora of footage behind the scenes, recapping the battle among Avengers, or mainly to keep proof that he stole Captain America's shield. After his v-log of the "Stark Internship," our tale of young impatient Parker anxiously waiting for Stark to hit him up, begins. This opener acts as the perfect preface for the film's theme, also adding to Peter Parker's character. Ned (Jacob Batalon), Parker's nerdy high school companion, is the only person that knows his secret. Naturally, Ned adds to the immaturity and comical side of Peter Parker, creating a believable grade school friendship, that the audience will find such hilarity manifesting between them. Michelle (Zendaya), another one of Parker's friends, who doesn't have much presence in THIS film's plot, but she's obsessed with him for some reason, so I believe her character will be important in later installments (Her nickname is MJ). Peter has these amazing friends in high school and even a love interest, but his eager attitude towards being a hero creates conflict or FOMO. Sarcastic Stark thinks the decision is clear, grow up! Try telling that to a teenage genius with super powers. Instead of immediately sending an amateur Spider-Man who has yet to master any of his abilities to the skyscrapers of Times Square, the story creates an actual "friendly neighborhood Spider-Man," barley managing to leave Queens. Luckily for Parker, he stumbles upon Vulture (Michael Keaton), smuggling alien weaponry(from the alien wreckage of Avengers 2), and decides to take on the mission himself. The screenplay gave Vulture such a common ground, the audience understood his motives, and the big TWIST justifies his villainy even more. Most of the film was Spider-Man growing into his suit and getting his ass kicked. I loved this! Watching Spider-Man continuously fail against the most bare minimum villain in the series, makes it clear that Marvel wanted the strongest foundation to develop Peter Parker's character for later installments. Not only did it take him an entire film of trial and error to win, but his failures beautifully painted the screen with numerous colors, great choreography, and top CGI. Everything about the CGI was so natural (common mistake in previous Spider-man films). The balance of dark environments vs light environments create a great ambiance while watching. Ultimately, Peter's final decision is his most mature, but that decision not only acts as his arc, it gracefully acts as a foreshadow to how the MCU will connect, as it expands.

4/5.

-This is a successful Spider-Man film without the use of J.J., Gwen Stacy, Mary Jane, Harry Osborn, etc. I know the best Spider-Man film has yet to come. I can't wait!